Statement: Eileen Claussen Reacts to House-Passed Budget Cuts

While the nation’s fiscal reality requires cuts to a wide range of vital federal programs, the House-passed budget disproportionately cuts funding for climate science and clean energy programs. These programs should not be exempt from scrutiny. But the House’s actions will only make it more difficult to achieve a smooth and timely transition to the robust clean-energy economy that many businesses and the public strongly support.

Eliminating funds for EPA’s climate programs and disrupting their ongoing regulatory efforts will only exacerbate the investment-freezing uncertainty that businesses need resolved to stimulate lasting economic growth. By eliminating support for international efforts, the proposed cuts will weaken U.S. influence, put our national security at risk, and make it harder to mobilize an effective global response to climate change.

Thankfully, the House budget represents an opening bid. Notable changes in the Senate are likely, and we are hopeful that in the end Congress and the President will find a sensible path forward that recognizes the business and environmental realities facing our country.

We are at a critical crossroads. Advancing climate and clean energy solutions requires the combined forces of business innovation, government leadership, and informed consumer action. For our economy and environment, now is the time to work together to advance sensible solutions for a cleaner, prosperous, more secure future.